This article takes an objective look. Constipation can be uncomfortable and even painful. Many over-the-counter treatments exist for constipation. Vitamins are a common option. Learn which…. Many herbal teas can relieve constipation.
Find out more about these types of teas, their dosages, and their side effects. Yoga has long been known for its many health benefits. It can help with relaxation, flexibility, back pain, and even poor blood circulation.
But can…. But there are several different at-home remedies to help you get relief. Mineral oil is one remedy…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R. The basics of constipation. Causes of constipation. Treating constipation. Prunes and prune juice: A natural remedy for constipation.
A super fruit. Recommended serving sizes. Read this next. According to a study , eating dried plums may be a safer, tastier, and more effective way to relieve constipation compared with psyllium, which is a fiber supplement that people commonly take as a constipation remedy.
The researchers even suggest that people should consider using prunes as a first-line therapy for mild-to-moderate constipation. Studies suggest that prunes may help with the following:. Traditionally, people have also used prunes to treat fever and jaundice. However, scientific evidence to support these benefits is lacking. There are no set guidelines on the use of prune juice for constipation. One of the reasons for this is that most of the research on the effects of dried plums has focused on the whole fruits rather than the juice.
In one small study from , participants consumed prune juice daily for 2 weeks. The results of the study suggested that drinking milliliters, or about half a cup, twice a day works as an effective laxative, at least in cases of mild constipation. When it comes to eating prunes for digestive issues, many studies base their findings on eating g, or approximately 10 whole prunes, each day.
Consuming prunes or prune juice is a relatively low-risk remedy for constipation. The most common side effect that people report is an increase in flatulence , or gas.
However, prune juice is also very high in sugar and calories , with each cup of canned juice containing calories and Too much sugar can increase the risk of weight gain and blood sugar problems. The whole fruits are still high in sugar and calories, but research suggests that they have only a small effect on blood sugar and insulin levels. A doctor will typically suggest that people with constipation first try making dietary and lifestyle changes. Over-the-counter treatments can also help.
A high-fiber diet can help stool pass through the digestive tract more quickly and promote more regular bowel movements. Eating small, frequent meals may also help, as regular food intake can stimulate a bowel movement. Staying hydrated can help treat and prevent constipation.
Eating a high-fiber diet can also contribute to dehydration. Although prune juice contributes to fluid intake, it is high in sugar and calories, so it is best for people to consume it in moderation. Individuals should aim to meet most of their fluid needs by drinking water. It is also advisable to limit or avoid caffeinated drinks, such as coffee , tea, and cola, as they may make dehydration worse.
The Department of Health and Human Services recommend that adults do at least minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week.
People can spread this exercise across the week, and it can include a variety of activities, such as brisk walking, cycling, running, and playing sports. Never try to delay a bowel movement for longer than necessary. Once a person feels the urge, they should go to the toilet and take their time to pass the stool. Trying to have a bowel movement at the same time each day may help some people become more regular.
Probiotics are bacteria and yeast that can help promote better gut health. They may also be an effective natural treatment for constipation. A review of 14 scientific studies found that consuming products containing probiotic bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium lactis , can increase the number of weekly bowel movements and soften stools, allowing individuals to pass them more easily. Many different products contain probiotics, including certain yogurts, supplements, and fermented foods, such as kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
These products are widely available in health stores. Aside from existing drug therapies, certain lifestyle and nutritional factors are known to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Among nutritional factors, recent observations suggest that prunes are the most effective fruit in both preventing and reversing bone loss.
According to the evidence-based studies which are still fairly early , prunes have positive effects on bone indices. The data would indicate that dried plum may not only protect against bone degeneration, but also reverse bone loss. In addition to the animal studies, a 3-month clinical trial indicated that the consumption of prunes daily by postmenopausal women significantly increased serum markers of bone formation.
Increments in prune juice intake need to be very slow and carefully monitored until the desired effect is achieved.
Sudden increases can often lead to unpleasant side effects like pain, cramping, gas and diarrhoea. Have patience as it takes a few days sometimes a few weeks for a very lazy bowel to adapt and relearn its function with respect to fibre.
Drinking a ml glass of prune juice every day for adults combined with drinking plenty of water every day two litres every day including fruit juice, fruit or herbal teas and regular exercise are all recommended as part of healthy life style.
The recommended guideline of ml per day is a rough guideline and can be adjusted according to effectiveness. If too much prune juice is being drunk the laxative effect may be too strong and could result in stomach cramps and loose motions.
You can download a full colour copy of this article for your own information or to show your GP. Site menu Total Health. Prune Juice FAQs. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Inflammatory Bowel Disease. In addition to the article by Dr Premchand here is a useful summary of some relevant studies into the health benefits of prunes that have been published in the medical literature.
Contents What are prunes and prune juice? What is constipation? How does prune juice improve digestive health and deal with mild digestive problems?
Should I consult my doctor before regularly drinking prune juice? How much prune juice should I drink if I have mild digestive problems like constipation? How much fibre do prunes contain? What else do prunes contain? Is there evidence that prunes promote bone health? How long does it take for prune juice to work? What does prune juice taste like? Is it possible to drink too much prune juice?
Where can I get advice on planning a healthy diet and exercise? What are prunes and prune juice? See also - Does cooking destroy food micronutients Is there evidence that prunes promote bone health? Prune juice has a fruity sweet taste, often with hints of caramel.
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